Beyond inheritance : our ever-mutating cells and a new understanding of health / Roxanne Khamsi.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Khamsi, Roxanne, author.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Mutation (Biology).

Genetics.

genetics.

Genre:

Informational works.

Physical Description:

xxv, 277 pages ; 24 cm

Place of Publication:

New York, NY : Riverhead Books, an imprint of Penguin Random House LLC, 2026.

Summary:

"The new science of how DNA mutates over an individual's lifetime, with radical implications for our understanding of health and medicine"-- Provided by publisher.

Our DNA is the indispensable set of instructions that guides our growth and vitality. The common misconception is that this molecular blueprint stays the same throughout our lives. In reality, the genetic makeup of our cells is continuously mutating, from the moment we are conceived until our last breath. The hidden changes that amass in our genomes can have a huge influence on our health. In this groundbreaking book, science writer Roxanne Khamsi describes our bodies as active landscapes of mutation. She reveals how the forces of Darwinian evolution operate within our own tissues. The effects can be devastating, such as when mutant blood cells outcompete their normal counterparts and increase the risk of heart attacks. But mutations can also make our bodies more resilient: Liver cells with genetic changes seem to cope better with excess calories. And immune cells with remixed DNA can make more effective antibodies against the microbes that threaten us. By letting go of the antiquated idea that every cell in a body has the same exact DNA, we can usher in a whole new era of medicine, including better vaccines and treatments that outsmart cancer. Beyond Inheritance will open your eyes to the immense genetic diversity that exists within you and its incredible potential to shape your well-being.

Contents:

Turning cancer against itself

The struggle is real

Immunity in hyperdrive

Attack of the clones

The heart of the matter

When our bodies autocorrect

The next generation

Strains in the system

Can we stop mutating?.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references (pages 235-265) and index.

Other Format:

Online version Khamsi, Roxanne Beyond inheritance

ISBN:

9780593541913

059354191X

OCLC:

1529914379